Warm tributes to Derry community worker Colbert Byrne

There was sadness across the city as people learned about the death of popular Bogside community worker Colbert Byrne.

Colbert died peacefully in Altnagelvin Hospital on Wednesday (March 27) surrounded by his loving family. 

He was the beloved husband of Nuala, loving father of Elaine, Kevin, Michael and Caitlin, father-in-law of Joe and Orla and devoted grandfather of Shea, Farrah-Rose, Tadgh, Rosié, Kevin, Leigha and Lana.

His funeral took place on Good Friday, in St Columba’s Church, Longtower and he was laid to rest afterwards in the City Cemetery.

Paying warm tribute to Colbert, a spokesperson for Dove House Community Resource Centre said: “There is a great sense of shock and sadness right throughout the Bogside and Brandywell communities on hearing the news about the sudden death of Colbert.

“Colbert was well known throughout the city for his tireless cross community work. He was always about the Gasyard Centre helping with what was ever needed in the area.

“He was one of the main anchors of the voluntary community rota set up at Alexander House and worked tirelessly along the Bishop Street interface area for many years, in conjunction with Dove House and other organisations, in order to prevent trouble.

“We all stood with Colbert and the other volunteers on the rota many a night when there was serious trouble breaking out in the area. He was always trying to ensure the safety of our elderly residents on both sides of the interface.

“He was involved in many cross community initiatives across the city and was very passionate about giving young people a chance in life and looking out for them,particularly keeping them out of the courts.

“On behalf of the wider community we would like to convey our deepest sympathy to Nuala and the wider family circle at this time.”

Colbert’s close friend, Charlie McMenamin said: “No words today for the loss of this great human being, a great husband, father, grandfather and community stalwart. We will miss him and his craic deeply. Rest in peace now ‘Big Colbert’.”